Bavarian Lederhosen

• Literally "leather pants," lederhosen are one of the most commonly recognized costumes from Germany. A floppy brown fedora sits on the head, with or without a proud "gamsbart" (a feather in a holder) on one side. A white or cream-colored shirt with a dress collar comes next, with brown overalls with short pants. Connecting the overall straps in the front is an embroidered patch with a pattern, and the straps cross in the back. Knee-high white socks and brown shoes complete the outfit.
  
  

Dirndl, or "German Girl"

• This costume begins with a ruffly white or pink blouse on top with an embroidered pattern across the chest. There should also be a skirt that goes down to the knees from a brown belt, with a white apron piece extending down from the belt. White knee-high stockings and black Mary Jane shoes round out the costume.
  
  

Dressing Up

• With conventional slacks and dress shoes, all you need to head out for a formal occasion decked out as a German is a dress shirt, tie and colorful "prien" vest. Traditionally green with red trim on the pockets, these also go over lederhosen if you want to wear something less stuffy than trousers. Generally, a necktie goes along with a prien vest, though.
  
  

Accessories

• If you're going for the Alpine look, you might want to add a tall walking stick to your ensemble, or perhaps even a yodel, if one of your ancestors has one. For girls, there are many different types of jewelry typical to German culture, but if you have an ornate brooch or shawl pin that you can attach to your dress (called a "dirndl"), then you'll be all set for your school's multicultural celebration.